an|y

an|y «EHN ee», adjective, pronoun, adverb.

–adj.

1. a) one out of many: »

Choose any book you like from the books on the shelf.

b) some out of many or much: »

Do any spots show? Is there any fresh fruit left?

2. every: »

Any child knows that.

3. even a little; even one or two: »

He was forbidden to go to any house. There has never been any doubt about that.

4. in no matter what quantity or number: »

Have you any sugar?

5. enough to be noticed: »

He had hardly any money.

6. no matter how great or how small: »

He means to win at any cost.

–pron.

1. a) any thing; any part: »

Take the cake; I don't want any.

b) any person: »

The Lord is…not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9).

2. some: »

I need more paper; have you any that you can spare?

–adv.

1. even a little: »

Do not go any closer.

2. to some extent or degree; at all: »

Has the sick child improved any?

╂[Old English ]

Usage any. In comparisons of things of the same class, idiomatic English calls for any other: »

This book is better than any other on the same subject.

But: »

I think a movie is more entertaining than any book (not the same class of things).